Using random capitalization for your MLA style assignment can land you in hot water. To ace the format and structure and improve overall readability of your paper, read on! We’ve prepared a thorough MLA headings guideline and even included tips on how to format MLA in Google Docs and Microsoft Word!
What Are MLA Headings?
Unlike APA, Modern Language Association (MLA) papers typically do not have a title or cover page. But since identification is necessary (unless you don’t want your instructor to know it’s your paper), you will need to use an MLA heading.
This MLA element appears on the first page of your paper, showing your name, instructor’s name, course name, and submission date.
Note: MLA headings and MLA headers are different. MLA headings appear on the first page of your paper, while MLA headers are on every top right corner of a page.
What Are the 4 Parts of an MLA Heading?
MLA heading is divided into different parts. They follow the standard MLA formatting style – 12-point readable font, double-spaced and 1-inch margins. They should also be left aligned.
Your Name
The first part of an MLA heading is your full name. As mentioned above, only use a 12-point readable font like Times New Roman. There’s no need to put your surname first. Input your name like you usually would on any paper.
Your Instructor’s Name
MLA headings wouldn’t be complete without including your instructor’s name. Press enter on your keyboard and enter your professor’s name. For example, Professor Porter.
Tip: If your instructor’s name is too close to the first MLA heading, you did not set your paper to double space.
Course Title
The third element of an MLA heading is the course title or name—for example, Humanities 101 or English 101.
Submission Date
Lastly, you will need to add the submission date. You should write in order of day, month, and year—for example, 14 March 2023 or 21 December 2023. There’s no need to add a comma or other punctuation.
MLA Heading Example
If you combine all the mentioned elements of an MLA heading, you should be able to get something like this for your essay or research paper:
What Are the Different MLA Level Subheadings?
Unlike MLA headings, subheadings give structure based on the order of prominence, making it easier for readers to digest the information you’ve presented. There are five level headings:
Tip: If you are unsure of MLA capitalization for the subheaders, this MLA tool can save you the confusion.
Level 1
These subheadings highlight the main topic or theme of your paper. You should write them in boldface and left-aligned. Also, ensure to format them using the same font size and avoid underlining or writing in italics.
Level 1 Heading: bold, flush leftExample:
Literacy development
Level 2
Level 2 subheadings are also known as subtopics. When writing, you should align them to the left and italicize them. These subheadings help in subdividing sections into smaller parts.
Level 2 Heading: italics, flush leftExample:
Factors affecting literacy development
Level 3
Level 3 Heading: centered, boldWhen using level 3 subheadings, bolden and place them at the center of the page. You should use them only after a level 2 subheading if you need to subdivide content within that section. It is vital to include a brief description that summarizes the following content.
Example:
Language and vocabulary
Level 4
Level 4 Heading: centered, italicsThese subheadings should be in italics and centered. You should only use them when further breaking down information within a level 3 subheading.
Example:
Vocabulary Comprehension
Level 5
Level 5 Heading: underlined, flush leftWhen using level 5 subheadings, ensure to underline them and make sure they are flush with the left margin.
Example:
Improving vocabulary
MLA Heading Format Requirements
Now that we’ve covered both MLA headings and subheadings, here are MLA format requirements you should always follow:
Paper to Use
If your instructor requires a physical copy, use high-quality and plain white paper. You only need to use a cardstock if your professor asks for it. For the size, you should use 8-½-by-11-inch paper.
Font Style
While writing a paper using MLA format, any readable font type is acceptable. Even so, the common font styles include Times New Roman and Arial.
Font Size
You should use a 12-point font size when writing your paper in MLA format, which is the archetypal size many processing programs apply. Other standard sizes are 11 and 11.5-point, but you should only use them as per your instructor’s request.
Spacing
The ideal spacing in MLA format is double space, which you should include in the heading, body paragraphs, and reference page.
Margins
You should use 1-inch margins throughout the paper.
Indentation
You should begin every first line of each paragraph one half-inch from the left margin.
Tip: Instead of pressing the space bar several times, hit the “Tab” key.
Page number
The page number should appear at the upper right corner or flush with the right margin of every page and half an inch from the top.
MLA Headings FAQ
How Do You List Multiple Authors in MLA Heading?
Create a different title page and type each author on separate lines. After this, insert the rest of the information, including the instructor’s name, the course title, and the date of submitting the paper. Type the paper title mid-page at the center of the page, and continue with your paper’s content on the next page.
Do You Need An MLA Heading On Every Page?
No, you don’t. An MLA Heading should only appear on the first page of your paper. You might confuse an MLA Heading with an MLA running head. However, the running head should appear on every page before the page number.
How Do You Create An MLA Running Header in Google Docs and Word?
To create an MLA running header in Google Docs or Word, follow these steps:
Google Docs
- Click the Insert tab
- Click Headers & Footers. Choose header
- Click right align in the toolbar
- Click Insert again and select Page numbers.
- From the dropdown, select the first option.
- Enter your name and the page number.
- From the toolbar, click the right aligned.
- Select the header and set it to the correct MLA font size and style.
Microsoft Word
- Click the “Insert” tab
- Click on Page Number. Then, select Top of Page>Plain number 3 (or the right-aligned option)
- Click the header and type your last name and the page number.
- Select your surname and page number and set the correct font style and size.
